This archive report was first published on 11 September 2019.
IFA 2019, one of the world's biggest annual tech events, has wrapped up, and the tech world is abuzz with the latest announcements. Among the highlights were several new smartphones from top manufacturers, all of which are priced under $1,000.
While IFA is not primarily a smartphone-focused event, the show did see a significant emphasis on 5G technology. Unlike other trade shows like Mobile World Congress (MWC), which focus on high-end, expensive 5G phones, IFA's focus was on making 5G more accessible to the masses.
Several manufacturers, including Samsung, Motorola, and Nokia, unveiled new smartphones that are priced under $1,000. These devices are expected to be more affordable than many of the high-end 5G phones currently available on the market.
Qualcomm, a leading mobile chip giant, announced that it will bring 5G to its cheaper Snapdragon processors next year. This move is expected to make 5G technology more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
“We accelerated the launch of 5G to 2019, and now we’re accelerating the scaling of 5G,” said Qualcomm President Cristiano Amon in an interview at IFA.
Samsung ¶
Samsung unveiled several new smartphones at IFA 2019, including the Samsung Galaxy A90 5G. This device is the first flagship of the A-series to be powered by a Snapdragon 855 chipset and features DeX mode, a user-replaceable battery, and an S Pen.
The Samsung Galaxy A90 5G is also one of the first affordable 5G phones, priced at $799. It features a high-quality Super AMOLED display, a powerful 4,500mAh battery, and an impressive 3-camera array, helmed by a 48MP sensor.
Samsung also officially confirmed the relaunch of the Galaxy Fold, but created a messy situation by canceling US pre-orders. Consumers who pre-ordered the device received $250 in store credit and were invited to join the new pre-orders line if they still wanted one.
Motorola ¶
Motorola unveiled its best Android One phone yet, the Motorola One Zoom. This device is part of the Motorola One series of smartphones and is the company’s attempt to impress in the mid-range segment.
The Motorola One Zoom features a 6.4″ OLED screen, a Snapdragon 675 chipset, and a 48MP camera on its rear, joined by a telephoto cam with 3x optical zoom, an ultra-wide camera, and a depth sensor.
The device is priced at 429 euros and will be sold unlocked via Motorola.com. The company also showcased a new entry-level phone, the Motorola E6 Plus, which features a 6.1″ screen, a 3,000mAh battery, and a 13MP camera with a depth-sensing friend.
Nokia ¶
HMD Global, the company behind Nokia phones, announced 5 new phones at IFA 2019, including the Nokia 6.2, Nokia 800 Tough, Nokia 2720, Nokia 110, and the Nokia 7.2.
The Nokia 7.2 leads the pack with its 48MP camera, the first to ever grace the rear of a Nokia handset. This will raise the handset from ‘fine mid-range camera phone’ to ‘serious mid-range contender’. The phone will go on sale for 249 euros.
